2006 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, 3-bottle Lot

Goldeneye was started in 1996 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, founders of Duckhorn Vineyards. Having focused on Bordeaux blends at Duckhorn Vineyards, the couple wanted to find a site compatible with making outstanding Pinot Noir, and they chose vineyards in the Anderson Valley. Although the estate is known for its single vineyard Pinot Noirs, it also makes small amounts of Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.